“That sounds all right, Saunders,” answered Mark, “but I incline to the other theory.  I think they’ll accuse me.  Their first plan would have been best if nobody had seen the deed.  But since they know someone did see it, they’ll probably try to be on the safe side.  Fortunately, they don’t know there were two of us, which leaves me better off.”

“If they find there was another,” said the detective, “you’ll be safer in jail.  Lives count nothing in the games of princes, and they’ll get us both if they can.”

“Then you’re in danger yourself, Saunders.”

“Not yet.  As you remarked, they don’t know there was another.  You see, it was dark among the trees, and I caught the fellow in the rear as he ran away.  He would naturally think that the man who caught him was the one who jumped as he fired.”

Mark smoked thoughtfully before he spoke.

“You’re right, Saunders.  My complacency is not so great that I do not recognize the danger.  I merely am indifferent to danger under the present circumstances.  It’s no use running away from it, and we can’t help it now.  Let’s go to bed.”

“Well, those English-Irish nerves get me,” Saunders answered, as he arose and walked toward the door.  “I suppose they’re a good thing to have; but, Griffin, take it from me, you’re the worst lump of ice I ever saw.  Aren’t you even just a little afraid?”

“Oh, yes,” answered Mark, “I’m afraid all right, old man; I really am afraid.  But there is somebody I am more afraid for than myself.  I am worried about the lady.”

Mark thought of what he had seen as he lay near the tree.  Walking over to the window, he thoughtfully pulled down the blind before he turned again to Saunders.  “I shall always love her, no matter what happens.  Of course, I can’t marry a grand duchess, especially one who is watched day and night; but I rather welcome the chance to stay near and protect her good name if the story does come out.  That is why I won’t go to jail for safety, not if I can prevent it.”

Saunders closed the half-opened door and walked back into the room.

“Protect her?  I don’t understand,” he said.  Clearly bewildered, he sat down, carelessly swinging one leg over an arm of the big chair, and stared at his host.

Mark looked up.  He spoke haughtily, with a slight shrug of the shoulders.

“There is a British Ambassador in Washington.  You have a free country, so I can always talk to him, even if I am a prisoner or on bail.  I happen to be brother to a baron; that fact may prove useful, for the first time in my life.  One word that involves her name in scandal, even as Ruth Atheson, brings the story out.  And Great Britain does not particularly care about your certain Big Kingdom.  I am presuming, of course, that I have rightly guessed what Big Kingdom is looking after the interests of your Grand Duchy.”

“You’re right, Griffin; the Ministry could never let her name be mentioned.”